Explore Quercus pubescens (Downy Oak) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Quercus pubescens | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Downy Oak, Pubescent Oak
Family: Fagaceae
Appearance: A deciduous tree with a rounded crown and gray, rough bark. Its leaves are oblong, with a soft, downy underside.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Canopy
Root System: Features a deep and extensive taproot system
Height: 10–20 meters
Width: Up to 15 meters
Lifespan: Over 200 years
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Fertility: Not self-fertile
Flowers: Monoecious, with separate male and female flowers on the same plant
Pollinator: Wind-pollinated
Toxicity: Acorns contain tannins, which can be toxic if consumed raw in large amounts
Quercus pubescens | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Southern Europe, Mediterranean region, parts of Western Asia
Companionship: Grows alongside Mediterranean species like pines and junipers
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Moderate tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: High tolerance (adapted to fire-prone regions)
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained, stony, or sandy soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Propagated by acorns, which may require stratification
Cuttings: Not typically propagated by cuttings
Quercus pubescens | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Acorns can be leached to remove tannins and used as a food source
Medicinal: Traditionally used for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties
Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Acorns are occasionally eaten by wildlife and can be used as livestock feed after processing
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Valuable for firewood and durable timber
Firewood: Excellent for firewood, burns slowly
Wind Break: Can be used as a windbreak in agroforestry systems
Fence: Not used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts various insects during flowering
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides food and habitat for birds, mammals, and insects
Sign up for our newsletter or connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date with our latest posts and permaculture inspiration.
Explore our inspiring series and posts:
Love the post? Share it with your circle, inspire your people: